The gay community is famous for its clubs, and late night/early morning dancing. Our clubs, such as Heaven & Trade, have become trademarks, even household names. You will be aware that the only sort of investment you will make into this type of club will be your door charge on the way in. Apart from a return in the form of fun and enjoyment, that is the last you will see of your money.
Share Clubs are private syndicates that invest together into the stock market. The members each contribute a monthly amount and meet at regular intervals to decide on the investments that are going to be made.
There are many advantages to Share Clubs. Pooling resources can mean lower trading costs, a range of knowledge and skills that enhance the potential for growth. Share Clubs can consist of family, friends or work colleagues.
Building a diversified portfolio reduces the risk of investing into the market. Members get the opportunity to invest without losing their shirt. The majority of Share Club members in the UK are first time investors when they join a share club. Naturally it would be helpful if one or two members have some experience of investing.
If you're investing for the first time then just because you've never invested before doesn't mean that you don't have knowledge about companies and the way they operate.
All members will have some kind of experience to bring to the party. Someone working in a supermarket will have an insight into retail, whilst a doctor will know about the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.
Each club should have a constitution, rulebook, nominated chairperson, secretary and treasurer. This will ensure that the club runs smoothly and democratically.
It's always better to have an odd number of members, to make voting easier to administer. Pink Finance suggests that the emphasis of investing should be to make investment as enjoyable as possible.
Many clubs operate at a level of £25-£50, and members pay into the club account by Standing Order each month - presenting little risk and an opportunity to learn.
Investment Clubs tend to be more speculative, as the amounts invested tend to be less than those placed into an individuals own portfolio.
Direct return in the form of growth is, of course, the primary measure of success of the club. However, there may be other benefits to joining a share club - with many investors going on to start their own investment portfolios at a later date.
The Club gives them valuable experience of share dealing services, researching companies, and running a portfolio. In some cases if the Club rejects a suggestion that an individual feels strongly about, they can go on to purchase the stock themselves individually.
As the risk profile of a club may be different to an individual, it may mean that shares could be purchased that an individual would NEVER dare purchase on their own. Here's an example of a Pink Pound portfolio, based upon where gay boys and girls often spend their pennies.
| Company | Product | Service Sector |
| Harvey Nichols | Shopping | Retail |
| Holmes Place | Fitness & Gyms | Leisure, Entertainment |
| Euro Disney | Mickey Mouse | Leisure, Entertainment |
| EMI | Music Producers | Media |
| Marks & Spencers | Underwear | Retail |
| SSL International | Durex | Health |
| My Travel | Holidays | Leisure, Entertainment |
| Body Shop | Skincare | Retail |
| British Airways | Major employer | Transport |
| Body Shop | Skincare | Retail |
| British Airways | Major employer | Transport |
| Shaftesbury Estate | Soho Landlord | Property |
(This portfolio is not based upon performance in any way. It is based upon the stereotypical lifestyles of gay men and women.)
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